Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World in 1492. However, in recent years, the holiday has come under scrutiny for its problematic history and lack of respect for Indigenous peoples of the Americas. In this article, we will explore the negative impact of Columbus’s arrival both historically and in modern times and argue why Columbus Day should not be celebrated.
Historical impacts of Columbus’s arrival
Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World marked the beginning of European colonization of the Americas, which resulted in the displacement, enslavement, and exploitation of Indigenous peoples. It is estimated that the Indigenous population of the Americas was between 50-100 million before Columbus’s arrival, and within a century, it fell to 6 million due to the brutal treatment of Indigenous peoples by European colonizers.
Furthermore, Columbus’s treatment of Indigenous peoples was characterized by violence and cruelty. In his journal, he wrote about forcibly taking Indigenous people as slaves, using torture as a means of punishment, and treating Indigenous women as objects for sexual gratification.
Modern impacts of Columbus Day
Columbus Day has been celebrated as a federal holiday in the United States since 1937. However, the holiday has come under scrutiny in recent years as more Americans have become aware of Columbus’s violent and oppressive legacy.
For Indigenous peoples, Columbus Day is a reminder of the injustices that they have endured at the hands of European colonizers. The holiday celebrates a man who is responsible for the genocide and enslavement of their ancestors and perpetuates harmful stereotypes that portray Indigenous peoples as primitive and uncivilized.
Alternatives to Columbus Day
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples and helps to counteract the harmful stereotypes perpetuated by Columbus Day.
As of 2021, 15 states and over 130 cities and towns across the United States have adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an alternative to Columbus Day. Furthermore, many organizations and businesses have begun to recognize the problems with celebrating Columbus Day and have opted to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.
Key Takeaways
- Columbus’s arrival in the New World marked the beginning of European colonization of the Americas, resulting in the displacement, enslavement, and exploitation of Indigenous peoples.
- Columbus’s treatment of Indigenous peoples was characterized by violence and cruelty, including the use of torture and forced labor.
- Columbus Day perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Indigenous peoples and celebrates a man responsible for their genocide and enslavement.
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples and helps to counteract the harmful stereotypes perpetuated by Columbus Day.
- As of 2021, 15 states and over 130 cities and towns across the United States have adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an alternative to Columbus Day.
FAQ
Why is Columbus Day a federal holiday in the United States?
Columbus Day was established as a federal holiday in 1937 to commemorate Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World in 1492.
Why should Columbus Day not be celebrated?
Columbus Day should not be celebrated because it celebrates a man responsible for the genocide and enslavement of Indigenous peoples and perpetuates harmful stereotypes about them. Furthermore, the holiday fails to acknowledge the true history of European colonization of the Americas.
What is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday that celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. The holiday is meant to counteract the harmful stereotypes perpetuated by Columbus Day and to raise awareness of the injustices that Indigenous peoples have suffered at the hands of European colonizers.